Born in Loughinisland, County Down, Owens first played competitive Gaelic football during his schooling at St Colman's College and Clonmel High School. He arrived on the inter-county scene at the age of fifteen when he first linked up with the Leitrim and minor team before later joining the Tipperary minor, under-21 and junior sides. He joined the Tipperary senior panel during the 1985 championship. Owens subsequently became a regular member of the starting fifteen while he also lined out with the Leitrim senior team.
In retirement from playing Owens became involved in team management and coaching. He has served as senior manager of the Tipperary and Waterford county teams.[2][3]